Is antivirus really necessary?

Finally got worried enough to install antivirus today. Specifically, Antivirus Free by droidSecurity, Inc. Just checked my battery use and it's used 41% of my battery today, compared to 16% for the display. I can only assume that it's doing the same thing to my memory. So I find myself thinking I don't really need it seeing as I have never heard of anyone getting a virus. Do I really need antivirus? Have there been horror stories already?

I've been kind of wondering this myself. I downloaded lookout because I decided to put some mp3s that I may have acquired from some less than legal sources on my phone, and didn't want to take the chance of some rogue software messing it up.

I actually really enjoy the other features of lookout, as well. You can back up your contacts, (not that google doesn't do that) and you can get online and set your phone to make noise if you replace it or see where it is if it gets stolen

I've been kind of wondering this myself. I downloaded lookout because I decided to put some mp3s that I may have acquired from some less than legal sources on my phone, and didn't want to take the chance of some rogue software messing it up.

I actually really enjoy the other features of lookout, as well. You can back up your contacts, (not that google doesn't do that) and you can get online and set your phone to make noise if you replace it or see where it is if it gets stolen

I had Lookout and deleted it for WaveSecure Beta. Lookout is a bit of a sham since it scans the download after it's been downloaded. I have yet to find the perfect free utility that backs everything up and protects you.

I've been kind of wondering this myself. I downloaded lookout because I decided to put some mp3s that I may have acquired from some less than legal sources on my phone, and didn't want to take the chance of some rogue software messing it up.

I actually really enjoy the other features of lookout, as well. You can back up your contacts, (not that google doesn't do that) and you can get online and set your phone to make noise if you replace it or see where it is if it gets stolen

I originally had WaveSecure and switched over the Mobile Defense. I would very much recommend Mobile Defense over WaveSecure. The online interface is better, they're working on making it so that "advanced users" (I'm guessing this might mean those who have root) can switch GPS on remotely, and the program hides itself and prevents itself from being uninstalled by thieves. I don't believe WaveSecure can currently do GPS tracking and it displays itself prominently in the notification bar, proudly declaring "THIS PHONE IS PROTECTED BY WAVESECURE" - until you uninstall it.

I originally had WaveSecure and switched over the Mobile Defense. I would very much recommend Mobile Defense over WaveSecure. The online interface is better, they're working on making it so that "advanced users" (I'm guessing this might mean those who have root) can switch GPS on remotely, and the program hides itself and prevents itself from being uninstalled by thieves. I don't believe WaveSecure can currently do GPS tracking and it displays itself prominently in the notification bar, proudly declaring "THIS PHONE IS PROTECTED BY WAVESECURE" - until you uninstall it.

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I have Wave Secure and it DOES NOT declare anything in the notification bar. Maybe I just have an updated version? Wave Secure CAN do GPS tracking. It can also do remote wipe and data backup.

Check them both out before making a decision. This is the BEST way to avoid misinformation.